Thank you for all of your posts. Many of you noted the difference
between the burbs' and inner city. Trust me, I see the difference everyday.
My old position was considered to be "inner-city". I think urban school was
the term. I worked in the toughest, hardest school in that district - the
alternative school. So I have been down the discipline road. Positive
statements, praise, rewards. Done them all. Even practiced some religiously.
The biggest problem was the welfare culture - if it breaks, give me a new
one.
The new school is considered to be one of the best districts around. My
initial reaction to the students' behavior is to clamp down on them - like I
did in my old district. Can't respect the material; can't use the material.
My fear is that this not the approach to take, because the culture and the
students are so different. I am afraid that I will receive a negative
reaction. Parents will call. (I already had one call on my vocabulary. I
don't sugar-coat bad behavior. I am upfront and say what I mean, not mean
what I say.)
I suppose I should follow my instinct and become the Art Nazi (as
someone noted). I dunno. I think what I will do is send a memo to the
teachers letting them know what's happened. This way when the kids come back
from class, the teachers know why the kids are grumpy. I have narrowed it
the sick-o comment to the 3rd and 2nd graders. I think I will also send a
memo to the principal, just to keep her in the loop. (She's really
supportive.) Thanks again for the advice...
